Ham and potato soup with leeks is a hearty and satisfying soup that's perfect for cold winter days or any time you're in the mood for something warm and comforting. This soup is a classic that combines the rich flavors of ham and potatoes with the subtle sweetness of leeks to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
How To Make:
To make this soup, you'll need a few basic ingredients: diced ham, potatoes, leeks, chicken broth, butter, and cream. Begin by sautéing the leeks in butter until they're soft and tender. Then, add the diced ham and potatoes and cook for a few minutes until the potatoes are slightly browned.
Bring the soup to a boil after adding the chicken broth. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender. Finally, add the cream and stir to combine. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
The result is a rich and creamy soup with chunks of tender potatoes and flavorful ham. The leeks add a subtle sweetness to the dish that complements the saltiness of the ham and the richness of the cream. This soup is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be served with a side salad or some crusty bread to make a complete meal.
Overall, ham and potato soup with leeks is a comforting and delicious dish that's easy to make and sure to please. Whether you're looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or just want to try something new, this soup is definitely worth a try.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Use leftover ham or buy a ham hock to make the soup extra flavorful.
Cut the potatoes and leeks into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added depth of flavor.
You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or corn to the soup for more nutrients and texture.
For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or blend a portion of the soup in a blender until smooth and then mix it back into the soup.
Variations:
Add cheese: Once the soup is done, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top or melt some into the soup for a rich and cheesy flavor.
Add spices: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, or spices like cumin or smoked paprika to give the soup more depth and complexity of flavor.
Add bacon: Cook some bacon and crumble it on top of the soup for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Make it vegetarian: Leave out the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of the soup.
Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes to give the soup a kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 leeks, sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the butter over medium heat in a big pot or Dutch oven. Add the leeks and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the chicken or vegetable broth and potatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it is mostly smooth with a few chunks remaining.
Add the diced ham, heavy cream, and thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Add salt and pepper to taste when preparing the soup. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the soup is heated through.
Serve the haze hot, garnished with diced fresh parsley if asked.